After bedrooms, living rooms are next in accumulating the most human and animal hair, our dead skin cells, textile and paper fibres, minerals, plant pollen and any other particles found in our environment.
Since in winter we don’t open our windows as much it all settles on surfaces and plant leaves. We hoover our floors and wipe our tables, but plant leaves are often left untouched. All this settled dust blocks the light, making it hard to photosynthesise. So, to prepare for the increase in light lets start our house plant care season with a good clean.
TOOLS you might need | Snips, a ruler, watering can, bucket of water, leaf gloves, your checklist (just hit print). |
Quick Jobs
1. Move any plants that are sitting directly on the south facing window sill. Find a spot about 1 meter away. This is to avoid any leaf scorch as the sun and heat intensify. |  |
2. Trim any dry or damaged leaves. | |
3. Check for any plant support requirements - If you are growing Orchids you may need bloom stakes. For any trailing plants check your mossy pole or any training frames have enough room for new growth. | |
4. Check if any of your plants are root bound. This is especially true for plants +2 years. | |
Things to look out for:
Roots growing through the drainage hole at the bottom of the planter.
Plants that are extremely top heavy and fall over easily.
Roots that are circling all around the plant pot. You will need to lift your plant out of its pot to see this.
Roots that are pushing the plant up, out of the planter.
Noticeable salt and mineral build up on top of the soil.
5. Make a list of plants that need repotting and their pot sizes. | |
When you are choosing your new pot ensure its diameter is 2.5 - 5cm (1-2”) larger. Don’t worry about the height, as this will be determined by the pots diameter.
NOTE: You can go for a larger pot, so that you don’t have to repot as frequently. Do bear in mind that the foliage growth with slow down as the energy will be used more by roots to get all stretched out and comfortable.
6. Check if you have the following: a suitable plant pot, fresh potting mix, repotting mat. There is no rush to repot your plants yet, instead check your home inventory before purchasing any missing items. | |
Longer Jobs
1.Shower party - Although a little involved this is a great two for one job. The plants get cleaned and watered at the same time. Use lukewarm water. If you are doing this job in the shower use the softest setting you have or use a watering can instead. Allow the plants to sit in the water for a little while and don’t forget to drain them out. Give the pot a gentle jiggle to shake of excess moisture from the leaves. | |
If doing it in the bathtub/shower not your thing, you can do this in a large bucket.
2. Wash leaves on large plants, like Fiddle Figs and Monsteras. | |
Leaf dusting gloves make this a doddle. For hairy leaves and cacti use a soft brush. It is surprisingly therapeutic.
Optional Extra
Wash your windows. Not only is it great for plants, it will also boost your own spirits and help with that circadian rhythm. | |
Welcome to The Plant Notebook
My name is Anna and I'm a maker with an interest in plants. I run Horticus from my pottery studio in Leicester where I make my living wall kits, write about indoor gardening and dabble in fun experiments.
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